In the Second Reading today St Paul admonishes the Galatians: "For freedom Christ has set you free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Gal 5: 1) The rabbis of the time spoke of the "yoke of the law" so St Paul is speaking not so much on this occasion about the practice of slavery in the Roman Empire but rather the way in which we live out our spiritual and private lives. Nevertheless, we are fortunate to live in an age and a society where slavery, as formal institution, is illegal although sadly individuals are still trafficked and exploited by unscrupulous criminals. Applying the reading to ourselves we need to be alert to the unseen yoke of sin and compulsions that rob us of our freedom and bring us despair rather than joy and life.. This occurs regardless of social or financial status. People can be slaves to greed, ambition, sensuality and hate as well as alcohol, narcotics and gambling. What is the cure? I suggest it is an attitude of service towards others, inspired by the example of Christ: "just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mtt 20: 28) This attitude transforms our hearts so we act, even in the small tasks of daily life, out of love rather than resentment or compulsion: "Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women, knowing that what good we do, we will receive again from the Lord, whether we are slaves or free." (Eph 6: 7-8)
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